The 10 (EdTech) Commandments
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1. Thou shalt not be afraid
Sometimes using education technology in the classroom can be daunting. It is always tempting to stick to tried and tested lesson plans and faithful old textbooks, which have never let you down before. But the benefits to be gained from introducing technology into the classroom by far outweigh the risks! The opportunities to engage students with online games, interactive quizzes, videos and more are endless, so take the plunge and don’t let your fear stop you from exploring rich educational pastures new.
2. Thou shalt share with thy neighbour
The world of education technology is constantly evolving and new programs and resources are arriving on the scene every day. One of the best parts of getting into e-learning is the network of wonderful educators online who are ready to share tips and introduce you to fantastic new sites. Try tapping into the brilliant information available on Twitter using the #edtech and #elearning hash tags, and make sure you reciprocate by sharing any great resources you find too!
3. Thou shalt use many devices
Once you’ve started to explore the wide world of education technology, don’t stop there! Try moving on to different devices and find new methods of using your favourite websites- from iPads and apps to projectors and laptops, there are hundreds of different ways to access e-learning. Why not encourage your school to host a ‘bring your own device’ day where students can show how they use different kinds of technology for learning?
4. Thou shalt take safety precautions
The internet is a gateway to a wonderful new world of opportunities, but it also opens the door to some risks and dangers too, in the form of cyber bullying and internet fraud. So ensure that you have all the latest firewalls and digital safety measures in place before using computers with your class and make sure students are closely supervised at all times. There are lots of great websites available for exactly this purpose, where you can share online with your students in a safe, educational environment. Edmodo is a great one to try!
